Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens Programme.
Addressing thousands of wardens at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg on Sunday, 21 June 2026, Premier Lesufi mentioned that the new framework will establish a cohesive Gauteng Traffic Wardens Corps, operating through three interconnected streams.
“The first stream will focus on enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring compliance with road safety measures, thereby enhancing the province’s traffic policing capabilities and improving safety outcomes,” Premier Lesufi highlighted.
“The second stream will focus on visible policing, crime prevention, and collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to address crime in identified high-risk areas and bolster community safety,” he continued.
“The third stream will prioritize security and infrastructure protection services, encompassing access control, CCTV surveillance, asset protection, and rapid response capabilities at provincial government sites,” Lesufi elaborated.
The Premier expressed appreciation to the wardens for their efforts in combating crime in the province, which is reflected in recent crime data.
He explained that, in accordance with relevant laws and the Criminal Procedure Act, appointed Gauteng Traffic Wardens will have the authority to execute specific law enforcement duties as Peace Officers.
This authority encompasses detaining offenders without a warrant in legally defined situations, executing arrest warrants, issuing written notices, and performing other roles permitted by applicable law.
Until full certification is completed, Gauteng Traffic Wardens will continue to support government initiatives by safeguarding government properties, ensuring school safety, conducting visible patrols in neighborhoods and business areas, implementing road safety programs, and overseeing security operations at specified event entry points.
The new model will also introduce e-policing through monitoring CCTV and electronic security systems, aiding in establishing the Provincial Integrated Command Centre anticipated for the 2027/28 fiscal year.
Additionally, the program will improve the protection of provincial infrastructure and government properties through dedicated security and rapid response operations.
To support this transition, Gauteng Traffic Wardens will undergo a rigorous three-month training program at the Provincial Traffic College from 5 October to 20 December 2026, integrating both theoretical and practical training in line with approved national curricula.
This reform marks a significant step towards creating a professional, accountable, and integrated provincial safety service that protects communities, secures public assets, and fosters sustainable opportunities for Gauteng’s youth.
However, Premier Lesufi warned that any misconduct within the ranks will be addressed decisively.
He revealed that, since the program’s inception, 320 wardens have been dismissed following disciplinary procedures for offenses such as corruption, absenteeism, criminal activities, and actions that undermined the integrity of the service.
“We cannot build a force dedicated to combating crime while permitting unlawful conduct within its ranks,” asserted Premier Lesufi.
“It is inconsistent to claim we protect women and vulnerable individuals in society while allowing conduct that perpetuates gender-based violence or harms those we are meant to serve.”
